Spy Party!

A little over a week ago, we threw a spy-themed birthday party for Sam. During recess at school, Sam sometimes pretends to be a spy with a few of his classmates, so he was very interested in having these school friends (as well as a few neighborhood friends) over for his spy party. He's been thinking about this party for a long time, and even wrote up a specific guest list that he kept referencing in the weeks leading up to the party. Each time we received an RSVP about the party, he would make little marks on this master guest list.

I originally hoped to have an additional party or celebration with Sam's thirteen (!) second cousins that live in the area, but I realized as Sam's birthday approached that I needed to keep things as simple as possible this year (especially with my earlier false labor scare). In truth, I was worried that I would go into labor before we even threw this spy party. My in-laws came to help out, which was wonderful. Although I still did more than I probably should have, it was really great for us to have their added help.

J designed an awesome invitation for this party. One parent said that they almost threw away the invitation when it came in the mail, because they were disturbed that there was government-related document addressed to their six-year-old son:

The kids did a few spy-themed activities. We took their fingerprints (to document their identity as spy agents) right after they arrived. J also set up a laser maze out of red string, which the kids enjoyed. We also played "laser limbo" and helped the kids make some "walkie-talkies" out of disposable cups and string. The kids also got to decode a scrambled message (written with invisible ink) with "Confidential 5-in-1" spy pens (one of the party favors) which was fun.

Here the kids are playing "Spy, spy, bad guy!" (i.e. "Duck, duck, goose!") while my in-laws worked to set up the table for lunch. Sam wanted to have everyone eat cheese pizza, grapes, and apple juice.

 

Sam with his BFF from school, L. I found these cute glasses with attached mustaches at Target, which we handed to kids soon after they arrived at the party. It was cute to see several of them wearing the glasses for a good portion of the activities.

Sam and his friends had a fantastic time, which made me really happy. I'm glad that he was able to have such a fun celebration, which was especially made possible because of the efforts of his dad (J came up with all of the ideas for activities) and grandparents.